The Flat Roof Menace: A Rant By Angry Architects

The Flat Roof Menace in Kenya: A Rant by Frustrated Architects

Courtesy of Stratos Studios

We need to talk about flat roofs in Kenya. Please, stop putting them on every house. We're begging you—just stop. Not every flat roof looks appealing or modern. Many end up looking like a patch, an afterthought, an odd piece on what could otherwise be a fantastic home. Not every Kenyan house needs a flat roof, and if you opt for one, please ensure it doesn't turn into a dam when the rains come.

Kenya's architectural landscape is as diverse as its people, with styles ranging from traditional huts to ultra-modern villas. Different styles come with different design and construction approaches. Unfortunately, roofs have fallen victim to hasty decisions and mediocre building practices. Flat roofs, in particular, have been misused and poorly executed across the country.

Sure, flat roofs can give a house a sleek, contemporary aesthetic. They might be more or less appealing than pitched roofs, depending on personal taste. But despite the term "flat roof," they aren't entirely flat—they have a slight pitch of less than 10 degrees. A roof cannot be completely flat—or rather, shouldn't be—because one crucial function of a roof, beyond keeping the sun off your head, is to drain rainwater effectively.

Pitched roofs evolved out of necessity, especially in regions with significant rainfall like parts of Kenya. They efficiently channel precipitation away, protecting homes from water damage. When executed well, they achieve both functional efficiency and aesthetic beauty. This doesn't mean flat roofs don't have their merits—they can be highly functional, creating excellent terraces for enjoying Nairobi's skyline or Mombasa's coastal breeze. In some cases, they may be more cost-effective and offer greater versatility.

However, this doesn't justify slapping them onto every house—even ones initially designed with pitched roofs in mind. Here are a few steps to execute flat roofs correctly in Kenya:

1. Conduct a Thorough Site Analysis: Before designing, assess how much rain the area receives and calculate wind loads. Kenya's climate varies greatly—from the heavy rains in Kisumu to the arid conditions in Lodwar. Design your roof to accommodate these factors accordingly.

2. Perform a Proper Cost Analysis: Evaluate which roofing option best suits your building if the motivation is solely based on cost. Consider materials, labour, and long-term maintenance. Different factors affect costs, and no single option is universally cheaper.

3. Adhere to Kenyan Building Codes: If you settle on a flat roof, ensure proper construction follows local building regulations to guarantee adequate water flow and waterproofing. Poorly constructed flat roofs can lead to leaks and structural issues, especially during the rainy seasons.

4. Combine Roofing Techniques: Implement a blend of both flat and pitched roofs to meet both form and function needs. A hybrid approach can offer aesthetic appeal while addressing practical considerations like drainage and durability.

Flat roofs can be fantastic when done right. But like everything in construction—especially in a country with such diverse weather patterns—they need to be executed properly to avoid ending up with damp, mold ridden, leaking roofs.

Let's build homes that not only look good but also withstand Kenya's unique environmental challenges. Thank you for coming to my TED Talk.